City of Darien City Council met June 20.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Darien was called to order at 7:36 P.M. by Mayor Marchese.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Marchese led the Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL — The Roll Call of Aldermen by Clerk Ragona was as follows:
Present: Thomas J. Belczak Joseph A. Kenny
Thomas M. Chlystek Mary Coyle Sullivan
Eric K. Gustafson Lester Vaughan
Absent: Ted V. Schauer
Also in Attendance: Joseph Marchese, Mayor
JoAnne E. Ragona, City Clerk
Michael J. Coren, City Treasurer
Bryon Vana, City Administrator
Gregory Thomas, Police Chief
Daniel Gombac, Director of Municipal Services
4. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM – There being six aldermen present, Mayor Marchese declared a quorum.
5. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
There were none.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 6, 2022
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Chlystek to approve the minutes of the City Council Meeting of June 6, 2022.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Sullivan, Vaughan Abstain: Kenny
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
7. RECEIVING OF COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Gustafson received communication from resident…
…on Gordon Court regarding the overgrown grounds of Elizabeth Ide School that border his property. Director Gombac confirmed the school has created 10-foot buffer zone between the native planting area and resident’s fence.
…on Green Valley Drive regarding NiCor property that requires grass seeding. Director Gombac has been in communication with utility company.
…regarding ongoing airplane noise. Alderman Gustufson commented regarding communication with FAA Commission over concerns; Council discussion ensued.
…on Spring Green Drive regarding potential drainage pipe issue that may be causing sinking in front yard. Municipal Services found no issues with pipe.
…regarding blind spot created by bush on corner of Lyman & Manning; Public Works will remove the bush.
Alderwoman Sullivan received…
…an email from Kevin Drum regarding Darien Heights Development. Director Gombac provided an update on the project.
…communication from Drew Kelly expressing concern with Vape Store in Brookhaven Plaza and products sold. City Planner confirmed location met zoning and use regulations.
She thanked Police Department and Administrator Vana for swiftly acting on resident request to implement a speed survey along Oldfield Road.
Alderman Vaughn received communication from Julia Krumplis inquiring about the proposed traffic signal at Clarendon Hills Road & 67th Street and the addition of sidewalk. Director Gombac responded that the signal is being engineered and could take a year to manufacture. Sidewalks on Clarendon Hills Road and along 79th Street have been surveyed; the bidding process will begin in six weeks.
Alderman Kenny received communication from…
…Fred Wilson regarding a rear yard drainage issue.
…Steve Leopoldo regarding Downers Grove plantings in roadways.
8. MAYORS REPORT
Mayor Marchese…
…read information from Darien Historical Society. He provided history of the restored flag that proudly hangs in Old Lace Schoolhouse. He invited all to attend the Darien Historical Society Open House and Dedication of the flag from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. on Monday, July 4, following the parade. Participation was encouraged in celebrating this remarkable artifact, which is testimony to the patriotic and community spirit of the individuals who were among the first to build what is today Darien.
…stated today is Junteenth and enunciated that on “Freedom’s Eve” or the Eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865 when 2000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as “Juneteenth” by the newly freed people in Texas. Juneteenth is now a federal holiday.
…noted today is the one-year anniversary of the tornado that swept through our City causing tree and property damage.
…commented on communication received and commended Administrator Vana for his actions in resolving issue out-of-town resident’s son had in dealing with utility company on behalf of his mother, a Darien resident. He noted Bryon’s “small town attitude” of taking care of all residents makes Darien a nice place to live.
9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT
Clerk Ragona announced…
…City offices will be closed on Monday, July 4 – Independence Day.
…Tuesday, July 5, Darien City Council Meeting has been cancelled.
…next City Council Meeting will be held on Monday, July 18.
10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
There was no report.
11. DEPARTMENT HEAD INFORMATION/QUESTIONS
A. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Alderman Gustafson inquired about speed signs on Manning Road; Chief Thomas stated information including speed and time of day is downloaded monthly.
B. MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Director Gombac provided update regarding:
• Local 150 strike that has affected stone/aggregate material and is delaying construction for existing projects.
• Notification of two grant awards received from DuPage County as part of the American Rescue Plan. Grants will support drainage projects on Ailsworth & Regency Grove Drives.
• Water Meter Replacement Program that will begin in July 2022.
• Piloting the use of delineators in center line, narrowing the street width, as an economic and prudent solution to control speeding on 67th Street.
He addressed Council questions.
12. TREASURER’S REPORT
A. WARRANT NUMBER 22-23-04
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve payment of Warrant Number 22-23-04 in the amount of $820,486.25 from the enumerated funds and $278,930.00 from payroll funds for the period ending 06/16/22 for a total to be approved of $1,099,416.25.
Alderman Kenny inquired about two expenses; Director Gombac responded.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Kenny, Gustafson, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
13. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administrative/Finance Committee – No update. Liaison Sullivan announced the Economic Development Committee meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2022 at 7:00 P.M.
Municipal Services Committee – Chairman Belczak announced the Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for June 27, 2022 at 6:00 P.M.
Police Committee – Chairman Kenny stated the minutes of the May 16, 2022 meeting were approved and submitted to the Clerk’s Office. He announced the Police Committee meeting is scheduled for July 18, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. in the Police Department Training Room.
14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS – AGENDA RELATED
There were none.
15. OLD BUSINESS
There was no Old Business.
16. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Marchese stated Consent Agenda Item A was moved to New Business as Item D, Consent Agenda Items B & C changed to Items A & B respectively.
Alderman Kenny requested New Business Item B be moved to Consent Agenda as Item C. He noted item passed Police Committee vote 3-0.
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Gustafson to approve by Omnibus Vote the following items on the Consent Agenda:
A. RESOLUTION NO. R-43-22 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO PERSONNEL RULES COVERING NON-UNION EMPLOYEES – SECTION 6.15 – PAY PLAN
B. RESOLUTION NO. R-44-22 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE METROPOLITAN ALLIANCE OF POLICE (MAP) DARIEN CHAPTER #48 UNIT “B” – SWORN EMPLOYEES AND THE CITY OF DARIEN (MAY 1, 2022 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2026)
C. RESOLUTION NO. R-46-22 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND THE CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR THE RECIPROCAL REPORTING OF CRIMINAL OFFENSES COMMITTED BY STUDENTS BETWEEN THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF HINSDALE TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 86 AND THE CITY OF DARIEN
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
17. NEW BUSINESS
A. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A STORM SEWER EASEMENT FROM THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES: 8422 CARRIAGE GREEN DRIVE 09-33-301-003
It was moved by Alderwoman Sullivan and seconded by Alderman Belczak to approve the motion as presented.
RESOLUTION NO. R-45-22 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A STORM SEWER EASEMENT FROM THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES: 8422 CARRIAGE GREEN DRIVE 09-33-301-003
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
B. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM EJ EQUIPMENT, INC., FOR A LEASE AGREEMENT OF A VACTOR TRUCK FOR HYDRO EXCAVATION AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY FOR BUFFALO BOX REPAIRS DURING THE METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM, AT THE PROPOSED UNIT PRICE AND NOT TO EXCEED $72,000
It was moved by Alderman Kenny and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to approve the motion as presented.
Treasurer Coren reiterated that EJ Equipment bases rental charges on a 28-day month; Director Gombac stated he has had a conversation with vendor regarding credit for the additional day(s) billed on previous rental invoice.
RESOLUTION NO. R-47-22 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM EJ EQUIPMENT, INC., FOR A LEASE AGREEMENT OF A VACTOR TRUCK FOR HYDRO EXCAVATION AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE CITY FOR BUFFALO BOX REPAIRS DURING THE METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM, AT THE PROPOSED UNIT PRICE AND NOT TO EXCEED $72,000
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
C. CONSIDERATION OF A MOTION TO APPROVE:
• AUGUST 11TH, 12TH, 13TH AND 14TH AS THE DATE FOR THE DARIEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO HOLD THE DARIEN FEST 2022 CELEBRATION AT DARIEN PLAZA PARKING LOT
• PROVIDING POLICE PROTECTION FOR THE DARIEN FEST 2022 AS PER ATTACHED AGREEMENT
It was moved by Alderman Belczak and seconded by Alderman Vaughan to approve the motion as presented.
Mayor Marchese noted agreement was modified in Work Session. Administrator Vana stated the following sentence was added after the first sentence in the second paragraph of the agreement: “Revenue the City receives from the carnival for the food and beverage and amusement taxes will be deducted from the city’s total expense.”
Mayor Marchese reviewed the formula used in determining City reimbursement.
Roll Call: Ayes: Belczak, Chlystek, Gustafson, Kenny, Sullivan, Vaughan
Nays: None
Absent: Schauer
Results: Ayes 6, Nays 0, Absent 1
MOTION DULY CARRIED
18. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS – GENERAL
Alderwoman Sullivan reminded all that the first concert at Carriage Greens Country Club will be held on Thursday, June 30; lawn chairs and blankets are recommended as event will take place in the parking lot. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods for donation to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Food Pantry.
Mayor Marchese…
…added Focal Point will be the entertainment for the evening; Carriage Greens Country Club and Zazzo’s Pizza will be providing food and refreshments for purchase.
…encouraged residents to vote and stated School Districts 63 and 66 have a referendum on the ballot.
Alderman Gustafson reminded all to vote on June 28 as School District 66 Referendum will be on the ballot.
19. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, it was moved by Alderman Vaughan and seconded by Alderwoman Sullivan to adjourn the City Council meeting.
VIA VOICE VOTE – MOTION DULY CARRIED
The City Council meeting adjourned at 8:26 P.M.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/8cc6573d-e339-48a1-9720-538d07a617bc/Darien-City-Council-Meeting-June-20,-2022.aspx
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